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OSHOGATSU

New Year’s Day, January 1st, is the most important day of the year in Japan.

In the Japanese kanji character for Oshogatsu, the Sho part represents the word “to correct,” which can also mean “to mend” or “the beginning.”

Oshogatsu has long been cherished as the first month to restart with a new year.

For New Year’s Day, the entire family gathers around osechi ryori (traditional Japanese New Year foods), drinks otoso (spiced medicinal sake) and eats zoni (rice cake and vegetable soup).